A chief and a primary school teacher were reportedly killed on 26 January 2026 in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Hulugho town, Garissa County.
Reports indicate the militants ambushed the victims in their homes. Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo confirmed the incident, saying security agencies had intensified operations in the area to track down the attackers.
“It is extremely unfortunate that we have lost two lives at the hands of militants. The late chief was a hardworking administrator who played a pivotal role in ensuring the area remained peaceful,” Mwabudzo said.
The victims have been identified as Hulugho Chief Abdifatah Gani and Stephen Musili, a teacher at Hulugho Primary School.
Garissa Woman Representative Edo Udgoon Siyad described their deaths as a “profound loss” to both their families and the wider community.
“I send my condolences to the families of Chief Gani and the dedicated teacher, both of whom served Hulugho with unwavering commitment,” Siyad said on social media.
“They were tragically killed in a violent attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants. Their deaths are a profound loss to their families and the entire community. We condemn this senseless violence and stand united in support of all affected. May Chief Gani rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and may the teacher’s family find strength and peace.”
Following the attack, non-local teachers at Hulugho Primary School have called for immediate evacuation, citing safety concerns after the killing of their colleague, Stephen Musili.
Meshack Sifuna, a colleague of Musili, said the attackers stormed Musili’s home and shot him. He urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to relocate them to a safer zone.
“If not, we will take action today to ensure our safety. We will go to the TSC offices in Garissa to call for action,” Sifuna said.
Another teacher and neighbour to the deceased, Agnes Kavata, said the attackers appeared to have targeted Musili specifically, noting that they questioned her before moving on to his house.
“I feel traumatised. I feel unsafe. This place is not safe for us all. The Hulugho Primary School teachers are not safe. TSC, please, we have risked our lives to be here,” she said.
The teachers have vowed to camp at the Garissa TSC offices until their safety concerns are addressed.
